Backpack the Florida Trail’s Alaqua Section

Large chunks of intriguing wild land lay hidden in the far corners of Eglin Air Force Base. Recently, the Florida Trail built new trail segments like the remote Alaqua Section. This, a 16-mile stretch of trail that winds through pine-covered sand ridges, and is seldom out of sight of a clear, sand-bottomed stream, is the pick of the litter. Osprey patrol Alaqua Creek, bobcat tracks dot the forest floor and coyotes and screech owls call at dusk. You can backpack, spending the night at one of the two backcountry campsites, or day hike.

Sponsored: After looking at a map and seeing where you’re heading, it’s always amazing to see it appear up ahead of you in real life. Here’s our Editor-in-Chief hiking to two unnamed tarns near the headwaters of Lime Creek, about 3.5 miles west of Molas Pass on the Colorado Trail. Continued thanks to Mountain Hardwear for making the #ColoradoTrailFest come to life. #LiveBreatheHike #MountainHardwear Photo By Kennan Harvey